The Ambiverted Church

Discussion Questions

P. Emily read aloud a general description according to Myers Briggs of an introvert and extrovert:

Introverts – I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures, memories, and reactions that are inside my head, in my inner world. I often prefer doing things alone or with one or two people I feel comfortable with. I take time to reflect so that I have a clear idea of what I’ll be doing when I decide to act. Ideas are almost solid things for me. Sometimes I like the idea of something better than the real thing.

Extroverts – I like getting my energy from active involvement in events and having a lot of different activities. I’m excited when I’m around people and I like to energize other people. I like moving into action and making things happen. I generally feel at home in the world. I often understand a problem better when I can talk out loud about it and hear what others have to say.

Do you consider yourself more as an introvert or an extrovert?

How do you think a bias towards either extroversion or introversion within the church could affect the way we do church?

Comment on the following quote by P. Emily: “If we follow a Jesus that is an extrovert, then anyone who is not will irredeemably fall short resulting in a body of Christ that is half paralyzed.”

Read Ephesians 3:20. Share a story of one moment in which the power of the Holy Spirit working within you caused you to overcome limitations placed upon your personality.

P. Emily mentioned that a study was done where 57% of the people were introverted but 97% surveyed that they felt Jesus was an extrovert. Why do you think this bias exists? How important do you think it is that both introverts and extroverts are embraced in the church?